Obituary: Ronald Walter Bender, 69, formerly of Cranford

Ronald Walter Bender passed away March 6, 2014 at his home in Edgewood, Washington from natural causes. He was born April 12, 1944 in Elizabeth. Ron moved from New Jersey to California in 1980 where he resided for 12 years before relocating to Washington in 1992.

Ron was a Tool & Die Maker and owned his own business, R.B. Machine. He began learning his trade at a young age from his father, who ran a machine shop out of his garage. Ron’s career spanned 47 years during which he perfected his skills to become a master at his trade.

Ron was a good friend to everyone that knew him. He had a pleasant and easy-going disposition, a great sense of humor and was always willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends and animals alike.

Ron was an avid animal lover and volunteer of the Humane Society in Tacoma, Wash. He was known by H.S. employees and volunteers as Ron “Can Do” Bender for his readiness to help wherever needed. He was best known for being a faithful driver transporting food, supplies and animals to and from the shelter in and around western Washington and Oregon.

He is survived by his daughter, Tammy McGinty and her husband Brian, his sister, Nancy Bender in New Jersey, and his three beloved dogs; Sammy, Alice and Heidi, who now reside with longtime friends Jeff and Gail Alston in Missouri.

Memorial services to be held on Ron’s 70th Birthday, Saturday, April 12, at 2 p.m., at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Lakewood, Wash.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the Tacoma Humane Society at 2608 Center St., Tacoma, WA 98409, 253-383-2733.